Round of applause goes to Empty Stocking Fund's contributors

Published: Monday, January 7, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 6:14 p.m.

Donations trickled in at a slower pace this year for the Empty Stocking Fund, however, the final days of the campaign showed residents reached into their pockets to support their neighbors.

Hundreds of donations were made this year raising a grand total of $29,609.10. The total amount this year fell short of last year's amount of $34,050.53.

The Dispatch thanks everyone who donated to the year's fund. Kudos go to the individuals, couples, organizations, churches and groups that helped families during the holiday season.

"I'd like to thank everyone who made contributions to our Empty Stocking Fund. Even in this challenging economy, with your help, we were able to deliver a wonderful Christmas to many less-fortunate children here in Davidson County," said Steve Skaggs, publisher of The Dispatch.

All amounts of money whether big or small provided a Christmas holiday experience for over 700 families. More than 1,600 children had gifts they may have otherwise not received.

"I think it was a tremendous success," said Melissa Blackburn, secretary and human resources director for the Salvation Army of Davidson County. "There were a lot of families that were truly, truly touched. The community really cares. We are truly grateful they do."

Blackburn was also appreciative of all media outlets that helped bring awareness to the program. She noted that donors were very generous this year. She said several supported their projects like the gifts were going to their own child or family. Blackburn also thanked the volunteers for lending a hand.

"The residents need to know it's their friends and neighbors out there helping them," she said. "We just truly thank everybody from the bottom of our heart. We couldn't do it without them. We're looking forward to the (next) holiday season. Remember us."

The Empty Stocking Fund was started in 1981 by former Dispatch publisher Joe Sink and former executive editor Ralph Simpson.

Donations for the Empty Stocking Fund are accepted all year. Interested donors can send their contributions to The Dispatch, Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 908, Lexington, NC 27293 or deliver it to the office at 30 E. First Ave.

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.

Empty Stocking Fund Donations

Anonymous, $200

In honor of Booty Hilton by Beck Everhart, $30

Janie Lohr and daughters, Martha and Phylis, $100

In honor of Skye Elizabeth Nichols and Carmella Surratt Nichols Trantham. In memory of Joshua Everhart by Ruth Swink, $100

<p>Donations trickled in at a slower pace this year for the Empty Stocking Fund, however, the final days of the campaign showed residents reached into their pockets to support their neighbors.</p><p>Hundreds of donations were made this year raising a grand total of $29,609.10. The total amount this year fell short of last year's amount of $34,050.53.</p><p>The Dispatch thanks everyone who donated to the year's fund. Kudos go to the individuals, couples, organizations, churches and groups that helped families during the holiday season.</p><p>"I'd like to thank everyone who made contributions to our Empty Stocking Fund. Even in this challenging economy, with your help, we were able to deliver a wonderful Christmas to many less-fortunate children here in Davidson County," said Steve Skaggs, publisher of The Dispatch.</p><p>All amounts of money whether big or small provided a Christmas holiday experience for over 700 families. More than 1,600 children had gifts they may have otherwise not received.</p><p>"I think it was a tremendous success," said Melissa Blackburn, secretary and human resources director for the Salvation Army of Davidson County. "There were a lot of families that were truly, truly touched. The community really cares. We are truly grateful they do."</p><p>Blackburn was also appreciative of all media outlets that helped bring awareness to the program. She noted that donors were very generous this year. She said several supported their projects like the gifts were going to their own child or family. Blackburn also thanked the volunteers for lending a hand.</p><p>"The residents need to know it's their friends and neighbors out there helping them," she said. "We just truly thank everybody from the bottom of our heart. We couldn't do it without them. We're looking forward to the (next) holiday season. Remember us."</p><p>The Empty Stocking Fund was started in 1981 by former Dispatch publisher Joe Sink and former executive editor Ralph Simpson.</p><p>Donations for the Empty Stocking Fund are accepted all year. Interested donors can send their contributions to The Dispatch, Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 908, Lexington, NC 27293 or deliver it to the office at 30 E. First Ave.</p><p>Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.</p><p><B>Empty Stocking Fund Donations</B></p><p>Anonymous, $200 </p><p>In honor of Booty Hilton by Beck Everhart, $30 </p><p>Janie Lohr and daughters, Martha and Phylis, $100 </p><p>In honor of Skye Elizabeth Nichols and Carmella Surratt Nichols Trantham. In memory of Joshua Everhart by Ruth Swink, $100 </p><p>In loving memory of Lula Kearns by Winston-Concepts, LLC, $400 </p><p>Mickey and Shelia Hoover, $100 </p><p>In memory of Fred Bickel and Sam Everhart by Gene Hall, $100 </p><p>Wanda Freeman, $100 </p><p>In memory of Jason S. Brown Jr. by Martha Brown, $50 </p><p>Linda Younts, $25 </p><p>Brinkley, Walser, PLLC, $100 </p><p>In memory of Harold Padgett by Barbara Padgett, $25 </p><p>LD Cooper, $135.50 </p><p><B>Total: $1,465.50 </B></p><p><B>Grand Total: </B><Bz9.7>$29,609.10</B></p>